Lotus Abandons EV Plan for a New V8 Supercar: TDS

      Here's a teaser image showcasing the rear of Lotus's Type 135 supercar, which we have to admit looks impressive.

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      TDS serves as your daily hub for all significant headlines from the auto industry across the globe. In the past, before the rise of the internet, a kid on a bike would deliver a rolled-up paper to your doorstep, where you would enjoy reading it at your breakfast table with coffee in hand, getting ink on your fingers. While the modern version lacks that nostalgic charm, it remains just as enlightening. Let’s dive in.

      🎱 Lotus has reverted from its entirely electric business strategy, as many others have, and now plans to introduce a hybrid V8 sports car by 2028, provisionally named "Type 135." The automaker is also set to refresh the existing gas-powered Emira, enhancing its power and reducing its weight more than ever. [Autocar]

      🔋 Ford has opted to utilize its surplus battery manufacturing to establish a new venture called Ford Energy, which will provide energy storage solutions made in the U.S. for utilities, data centers, and industrial clients. [Barron’s]

      🖥️ General Motors is implementing layoffs of 500 to 600 employees in its IT division worldwide to cut costs and "better position the company for the future." [Bloomberg]

      🚙 Audi will debut the new Q9, an SUV designed primarily for the American market, on July 29. Our own Joel Feder had the opportunity to view a prototype in person, and you can find his thoughts, especially regarding the interior, here.

      🚕 Waymo is recalling 3,800 robotaxis due to a discovered issue that may cause the vehicles to inadvertently enter flooded roads with higher speed limits. [Reuters]

      🏁 Amid ongoing speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future, Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has publicly stated that the team has discussed the possibility of the four-time world champion driving its WEC hypercar in the coming races. Verstappen has expressed interest in sports car and endurance racing, making this pairing quite fitting. [Motorsport.com]

      ⛺ Honda and Acura will begin selling Thule outdoor lifestyle accessories, such as roof boxes and bike racks, through their dealerships. [Autoblog]

      🏭 Tesla intends to invest $250 million in its battery factory near Berlin to boost production capacity. [Reuters]

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